Yes, Sir. The thrust of the majority of reactions to the Green Paper is that it is time for a further step forward in this area. [Interruption.] I hope to make a statement about that matter before long.

The Secretary of State has had a busy time since he was appointed. But has he had the opportunity to read the speech by Lord Scanlon in another place last Thursday, since much of it was devoted to this subject? If the right hon. Gentleman has not read the speech, might I suggest that he does, because he might learn something to help him to deal with the trade unions on behalf of the nation as a whole, not just on behalf of those who responded to the Green Paper?

I recognise that the Institute of Directors runs a good club and produces a good magazine. But does my right hon. Friend recognise that, when dealing with employers' views on industrial relations, he is more likely to hear the authentic voice of British industry from the CBI than from the dining hall?

Yes. The more participation that there is by management and workers, the better for industry. However, I am not sure whether it is appropriate to legislate and force a framework on employers and unions. Good employers should have the common sense to realise that participation is the way to get the most out of their employees.